Cross-Analysis Reveals Potential of Cannabinoids in Cancer Treatment
A new cross-analysis of previously published scientific studies, featured in the journal Discover Cancer, suggests that cannabinoids—specifically THC-9, CBD, and CBG—may be effective in treating various types of cancer. According to the research, these compounds can slow the growth of cancer cells and trigger their death without harming healthy tissues.
The international team behind the study, which includes medical professionals from South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Portugal, Turkey, and Romania, cites earlier research indicating that these cannabinoids may stimulate the immune system’s response to diseased tissues, disrupt the formation of blood vessels that feed tumors, and help prevent the spread of cancer (metastasis) with minimal risk to the patient. The study also notes that cannabinoids have proven beneficial in palliative care for cancer patients and as an adjunct therapy during chemotherapy, with these effects supported by both experimental data and patient observations.
Effectiveness Depends on Multiple Factors
Despite these promising findings, the authors caution that the effects of cannabinoids are highly variable and depend on numerous biological and external factors, such as cancer type, dosage, form of the drug, use of other medications and therapies, and the stage of the disease. Cannabinoids have shown the most promise in treating gliomas (brain and spinal cord tumors), leukemia (blood cancer), melanomas (skin cancer), and lung cancer. For these cancer types, the effectiveness of cannabinoids has been confirmed through tests on cell cultures, animals, and human volunteers.
Given these results, the authors highlight the significant therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for treating and managing cancer. However, they emphasize the need for more detailed and extensive clinical trials involving a broad range of patients with different types and stages of cancer.
Findings Supported by Recent U.S. National Institute Report
It is noteworthy that this study was published just a week after a report from the U.S. National Cancer Institute, which reached similar conclusions about cannabinoids following an analysis of several clinical studies conducted in the United States over the past decade. According to the Institute’s report, THC-9 and CBD demonstrated the ability to inhibit tumor growth and promote tumor cell death in both animal and human trials. Additionally, these compounds showed therapeutic side effects such as pain relief, increased energy, and reduced nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy, indicating their safety and effectiveness when used alongside commonly prescribed cancer treatments.